Two languages, two characters, one me
Have You ever noticed in different environment, different circumstances You start to behave differently?
My job requires me to talk in both my native language and English on daily basis. Most of internal communication is done in my native language plan for our team, course of action for project or some internal processes. In English, I speak with client either to describe timeline or define what is actually required to be done.
In the first case, I noticed I'm more withdrawn from conversation, more on passive side. It's difficult for me to lead conversation unless I'm experienced and knowledgeable in the discussed topic. Small talks between me and co-workes can be awkward, I try to jam more meaning in each sentence than there actually is. I think I'm shy.
In English though, I can actively talk just about anything. Small talk? Ask complete strangers about directions? No problem. Hell I even write this blog in English. For some reason, it feels easier to communicate.
On the one hand I suspect It has something to do with the fact I speak in English with other people for whom English in not native as well. Subconsciously that can lower expectation of correctness. You together work to communicate and disregard small errors - meaning is important.
But is that it? Could such small difference make such big change in how I act? And to get a bit more philosophical, which one I'm actually me?